Cafes near me: Olivia’s Cafe named best in Whittlesea

With friendly staff, delicious coffee and a community atmosphere, it’s no surprise this charming eatery has been named Whittlesea’s best cafe.

The team at Olivia's Cafe Whittlesea.

If you don’t know the person sitting next to you at Olivia’s Cafe in Whittlesea, chances are you soon will.

Plenty of friendships have been formed over cups of coffee at the popular eatery, named the best cafe in Whittlesea by Leader readers, as part of the Delicious Local program.

Owner Kellie Tomarchio said the cafe had a real community atmosphere.

“I think people love our coffee which we are pretty passionate about and I think people also love the atmosphere of the cafe,” she said.

“We get a lot of people who will come in and end up chatting to the person next to them and everyone seems to make these connections in the space and I think it’s because the staff are very much the same way.

“Staff go above and beyond for customers.

“It’s a little bit country meets city the cafe; it’s got the country hospitality but a bit more of a modern vibe.”

Ms Tomarchio said the bulk of the cafe’s hot food was made on-site.

Popular dishes include chill scrambled eggs and smashed avo.

Delicious Local campaign ambassador Matt Preston said the search for best cafe was just the start of a push to help drive a food-led rebound from the effects of COVID.

“It’s clear from the vast number of nominations and votes we saw come in that local communities are rallying around their favourite eateries; supporting those food businesses who have done it tough over the past 12 months,” he said.

“That is exactly what we set out to achieve.

“And this is just the beginning. Our local cafe winners are soon to appear in a statewide battle of the postcodes where the cream will rise to the top – as it always does! Don’t forget to have your say by checking out your state finalists and voting for your favourite.

“Make sure you keep following this fantastic search and supporting your local winners – next up we’ll be on the lookout for best pizza, so get thinking …”